8 Ways to Prevent Dust

Learn how to reduce dust before it starts to accumulate

What's one little dust bunny swept under the rug? Turns out, a lot. Where there's one, more are sure to follow—unless you get a handle on it before it multiplies. But how do you get rid of something that keeps coming back? The first line of attack against dust: prevention.

1. Minimize dust-gathering knickknacks, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time, like living areas and bedrooms, says microbiologist Mark Sneller, owner of Aero-Allergen Research in Tucson, Arizona, and author of Family Health Guide to Better Indoor Air Quality.

2. If you're allergic to dust mites or wake up with a stuffy nose, consider encasing your mattresses and pillows in zippered, allergen-reducing covers. Twice a year, wash the covers in hot water.

4. Place air purifiers in your most-used rooms to help suck up dust before it settles down. Skip ionic air cleaners; they release ozone. Instead, choose fan-powered cleaners ($80 to $200 or more). For reviews of units based on Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers standards, go to cadr.org.

5. Keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 50% to reduce static, advises Allen Rathey, founder of HousekeepingChannel.com. Static attracts dust and makes it harder to remove.

7. Wood, metal or plastic blinds are easier to clean than drapes. Just wipe with a microfiber cloth or an electrostatic duster that has lots of "fingers" (like Swiffer's). If you have drapes, dust or vacuum rods or valances first, then clean the length with your vacuum's brush or upholstery tool on lower suction.

8. Don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets on your cleaning rags or microfiber cloths; it reduces their ability to attract and hold dust and absorb liquids.

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